Damian Lillard should study ...

Here's a veteran the Blazers' rookie point guard should seek to emulate

Each season, we pair the top rookies with veterans they should study to help them grow their games. Often, this exercise is mistaken as an effort to suggest how the rookie compares to the veteran. But that is not the point.

The way to look at it is like this: Modeling behavior is typically considered one of the top ways to teach. So in each of these pairings, the rookie would be well-served by developing the specific skill or behavior demonstrated by the veteran.

(Note: We are focusing on the young rookies, as many members of this class could already be considered veterans.)

Which veterans should the rookies study? To check out David Thorpe's latest analysis on the rookie class, become an ESPN Insider today.